No Office Space for Contingent Faculty? News to Me!

So I hadn't moseyed over to the ole Chronicle Forums page in a while and decided to see what folks were talking about on The Nontenure Track thread and started reading through a discussion started by a contingent faculty member wrestling with an unfortunate, but typical, problem:  what to do with out an office.  This faculty member states:

My university does not have space for an office for me. Has anyone ever had to improvise an office? It seems that group study rooms in the library are not reservable in advance. I'd love some helpful advice on what is the next best alternative. I'd rather avoid sitting in a crowded food court all afternoon.

Some folks tried to give honest advice, others offered advice with an edge--my favorite was: "Hold your office hours right outside the chair's office."  But what surprised me the most in this thread were the number of folks who seemed surprised by the situation or offered ideas as if this was some new problem that just popped up.  I suppose I am being too harsh, but where have these people been?

Comments

[The Adjunct Professor]

I guess I am fortunate that I have an office and I never even gave much thought to this. I do share my office with nine other adjuncts.

This semester, however, I got access to an office that is temporarily vacant. The college wanted me to teach a Thursday evening class. I teach earlier in the day on Thursday and based on the distance, it is not worth it for me to drive home and back in between classes. That means I am on campus for five hours.

I told the Dean I would only teach the evening class if I had access to an office that I could use, without having to share it with others, so I could get things done.

I guess if they want you bad enough (or need you bad enough) they will make concessions. I got my own office for the semester.

Unfortunately I have to give it back next semester, but for now I will enjoy it.

[Craig Smith]

That is great--and particularly the part where you were able to leverage their need to get decent space. Truth be told, I am hearing about more contingent faculty who have access to office space (not great space, but at least access to it)--even some institutions planning for such space. Of course, I am a cynic, so I assume that someone figured out that they could provide space cheaper and easier than paying better salaries, providing benefits and creating more full-time stable jobs. But that is just me!

Curious—I have been reading about your dealings with students (and excuses—ah it takes me back!) and you have such good focus on pedagogy on your blog, I wonder how you would talk about your working conditions? Great? Decent? Lacking?